Session Description
Learning gaps take many forms, and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. What works for one student won’t work for all. Join me to discuss strategies for addressing learning gaps.
What is a learning gap?
“Learning gaps are the difference between what an individual student is expected to have learned by a certain grade level versus what they have actually learned up to that point. These gaps are often compounding. This means that if they are not addressed, students are likely to fall further and further behind because of the skills and knowledge they’ve missed. Obviously, this poses a major challenge for both educators and students alike." (Source)
strategies for addressing learning gaps
Build relationships and prioritize social-emotional learning.
Our first duty to our students is to build relationships. Learning gaps can be bridged over time. Impressions can be made in an instant.
Students perform better academically when their social-emotional needs are met, and this happens when we integrate SEL into all aspects of schooling.
Work with families.
Finding ways to engage parents, so that they can help close those learning gaps, is vital to each student’s learning success. Parents who partner with teachers can help close those gaps and, ultimately, create a positive learning environment for students.
Identify exactly where and what those gaps are, and which students struggle with them.
Formative Assessments
Formative assessments can help identify and address learning gaps as learning progresses. Formative assessment is a continuous process by which students and teachers work together to meet learning objectives. Class discussions and questioning strategies, classwork, quizzes, peer review, and much more can all be examples of good formative assessment.
Non-Assessment Assessments
Diagnosing learning gaps doesn’t have to be a boring test. Look for quick, easy, and — most importantly — fun ways to see where your students are up to. Here’s a few ideas:
Have your students draw what they understand about a topic or concept
Play icebreaking games that test students’ knowledge
Use a writing game for a quick snapshot of students’ writing, spelling, handwriting and language conventions
Use interactive quizzes to spark memories of past learning and keep an eye out for gaps in knowledge or confidence
Have students create videos with 10 facts every student should know about …
It’s important to let your students know that there’s no pressure, that it’s not a graded test; it’s just to see what they know.
"Diagnose, diagnose, diagnose. Don't presume." John Hattie
Talk with their previous teacher.
As effective as it is obvious, your class’s previous teacher has had a whole year to understand your students — what they’ve achieved, what might need reinforcing, who’s excelling and who might need more support.
Understanding what’s tried and true, as well as what approaches need a fresh take, will save time and start the process of getting to know your students.
Use small group instruction.
Small group instruction can be used to address learning gaps. Students are placed within groups of two to six by providing direct instructional support. Small group instruction provides an environment in which students can feel comfortable practicing and receiving feedback and teachers can offer additional teaching and modeling of content.
Normalize getting help.
Let students know that not only is it acceptable to make mistakes, but also that such struggles are an essential part of learning and growing. Offer several resources for regular help, including after school hours, review sessions, or online question-and-answer forums. Encourage students to talk about their concerns and struggles.
How Kids Can Overcome the Awkwardness of Asking for Help, Edutopia